The maroon and white hues seen in the 48th Combat Support Hospital Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI), or unit crest, signifies that the unit is in the Army Medical Department, with the maroon cross alluding to the organization’s medical service and support to U.S. forces. The downward-pointing sword reinforces the combat nature of the mission and also resembles a numeral “1” to reinforce the unit motto of “One Army One Mission.” A serpent entwined around the sword recalls the rod of Asclepius to symbolize medical care and assistance, while the laurel at the bottom signifies high achievements and excellence (green is also the color regeneration and growth). Behind the cross is a field tent to recall the mobile nature of the unit, while the blue beneath it is a reference to the Swaleen River and the unit’s first taste of combat in World War II.
Distinctive Unit Insignias are worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.
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The 48th Combat Support Hospital was originally formed as the 48th Portable Surgical Hospital on 1 June 19453. It was deployed to the far east during World War II, and was awarded an Asiatic-Pacific Theater streamer with no inscription; it also won a China Defense campaign streamer and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Inactivated in December 1945, the unit was reactivated on 2 February 1953 and as the 48th Mobile Army Surgical (MASH) and took part in the Third Korean Winter and Korea, Summer 1953 campaigns. It was inactivated on 1 May 1964 and would remain inactive until 15 October 2000 when it was redesignated as the 48th Combat Support Hospital.
As a subordinate unite of the 338th Medical Brigade, 3rd Medical Command Deployment Support, U.S. Army Reserve Command, it deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In the U.S., it provided free medical care to under-served communities.
On 16 September 2017, the 48th Combat Support Hospital was inactivated and reflagged as the 410th Hospital Center.